Avoid that Flu

Hi Everyone,

Can I just start with saying, you don’t HAVE to get that cold and flu that's going around! There are ways to avoid it and stay healthy! In the beauty industry it can be hard not to get infected and to avoid the viruses, after all you are touching people all day. However, you have a chance to not get that flu that’s going around by taking care of yourself. But how??

Sleep. It could be the best preventative measure to take. Plus most enjoy it, so make it closer to the top of your list. Can't get to sleep? Well that could be due to multiple factors, one of the top culprits is your phone. I am sure you have lots of messages and notifications that you didn’t have time to go through during the day but you are only making your day longer by staying up staring into that screen. Turn off that device. Matter of fact, turn off any and all technology an hour before bed. During this hour, create a bedtime routine. Once you've been doing a bedtime routine for a while, your body is going to start to understand that when you start diming the lights and flossing your teeth (yes, try to floss) that is when to start prepping for bed. Hours before bed, try not to have any caffeinated food or beverages, no wonder you're wired and laying up all night.

If none of that works and you still cannot fall asleep, try meditating before bed. Just sit in your bed, take some deep breathes, and try to listen to the silence.

Drink your water. Most people think they drink a lot more water than they actually do! Truth is, you probably don't. You need more than those '8 glasses a day', however, that is a good start. Have you ever seen that trick where you mark a water bottle with lines of what time of day you need to consume a certain amount? Do that! Drink water when you have a client, they will understand if you need a few sips. Then before and after have a few gulps and of course do your bathroom breaks in between clients. Water can be more essential than food some of the time and especially for nail techs who inhale who knows how much dust in a day, GET HYDRATED!

Food is very important, I'm sure the majority of you would not argue that, but even so you don't make time for it. Why is that? I know, I know, time. Meal prep is everything people, you usually only need a few hours in the week to make a HUGE portion then divide. Healthy, repetitive food is better than unhealthy, repetitive food.. Is it not? It also saves you money. I am a big advocate of meal prep, you just need to find a small window of time that is realistic for you. You can multitask as you make your food, stews and crockpot meals are perfection when it comes to a busy lifestyle. Nourish your body and it will reward you by helping you feel good.

How do you all feel about working out? Do you make it a priority? If you are eating healthy , drinking water, and getting your sleep, you may be in luck and won't have to work out as much. However, you should still be getting some cardio in - whether it be walking, jogging, elliptical, etc. And you should definitely be doing some weight training. Let's get rid of the stereotype that if you do weights you are going to get jacked and manly, no, no you will not. Lifting weights is about making your body stronger, not bigger. It is good for your heart, your bones, and your mobility. Twenty to thirty minutes, 3 times a week is not a lot of time but it will be enough to keep you strong and in better health.

Stretch - most of you are in the same position for an extended period of time, too much time. Take care of your body, yeah you may only be slightly feeling the pain now but think to the future. If you want to be doing this for a long time, if you want to be fairly mobile when you are old and grey, stretch. Also don't neglect your posture, being aware of how you are sitting, standing can save your body long term.

I know not everyone would agree but get your flu shot. Yes, they are putting viruses into your body but that is to build up your immune system's defense. We are evolving just like everything on this planet, don’t be too scared for change. At the same time, I respect your reasoning, if you are doing all the above then you may be able to get away without getting your flu shot.

If you are at the pharmacy, stock your medicine cabinet. Be prepared for a touch of something that doesn't feel right. At the first feeling of sickness take the extra vitamin C or some Nyquil before bed. Kill the bug before it turns into the nasty cold that all your clients have!

Okay! So things that involve your clients - WASH YOUR HANDS!! Before and after your client you should be washing, sanitizing, just get rid of their germs so you and the next client have a better fighting chance. I wanted to end with this because I think it's something you all know but it still needs to be fresh in your mind.

Just because you work in the beauty industry, does not mean you have to get that flu that’s going around.

Elise xox